Men's Ready-to-Wear and Accessories Fall/Winter 2005

In his second collection as Creative Director of GIVENCHY Menswear, Ozwald Boateng reiterates his singular vision for the prestigious House: French elegance reworked for the modern man. For Fall/Winter 2005, Boateng continues to develop a look of powerful masculinity for GIVENCHY - it is understated, alluring, and confident, yet always rooted in luxury and sophistication.

Working with a palette of grey, burgundy, beige and petrol blue, the collection features the GIVENCHY Menswear signatures. Polka dots appear throughout; from suit linings to leather jackets, and the GIVENCHY tulip subtly brands knits and polo shirts. New motifs include black-and-white dog tooth and an exclusive herringbone design, laser cut into pony-effect calf leather for coats and accessories. Also new this season is the chic "double collar" on classic winter coats, designed so that the top collar can be raised while the bottom collar lies flat.

Fall/Winter is a season of strong silhouettes. Hooded coats made of thick grey or burgundy/beige tweed wool are layered over long, hooded cashmere cardigans in grey or burgundy. Bomber jackets are a short alternative, in quilted leather, thick cotton, and even pinstripe wool. A new shape, the boxy "spencer" jacket, is offered in black velvet or burgundy/beige tweed and a luxurious leather car coat is finished with a cosy double collar and cuffs in black wool knit. Sportier shapes are no less refined: an extravagant petrol-blue shearling coat and a leather windbreaker with a pleated-leather chest fuse a spirit of contemporary cool with GIVENCHY's exemplary craftsmanship.

Under these coats and jackets, crisp white poplin shirts with subtle stripes feature a band of velvet ribbon down the front, standing in for a more formal tie. Beautiful cashmere knits in the season's key colours feature tone-on-tone pockets and stripes. Two-pleat wool trousers in black, grey and petrol blue, and burgundy/beige tweed sit low on the waist. They feature chic and luxurious details: velvet bands sewn on the waist mimic the look of the GIVENCHY 'buckle-free' belt.

Luxurious fabrics bring a modern touch to evening. Blazers are made from opulent velvet in burgundy and dark-brown scattered with light-blue polka dots; a black velvet evening coat features the trademark double collar. This collection includes three stunning evening suits made of iridescent blends of petrol blue, silvery grey, or gold wool. Mixing a contemporary attitude with luxurious execution, these suits embody Boateng's vision of new masculine elegance. For more formal affairs, black velvet tuxedos feature a white polka-dot motif on the cuffs, trousers, or the entire jacket, and a black cashmere structured cape with shawl collar may be thrown on top.

Accessories echo many of the themes and designs seen in the Ready-to-Wear. Bow ties are made from the same evening suit fabrics, hats and mittens share the fine cashmere or tweed of the knitwear, and luxurious gloves are offered in black and brown leather. Formal shoes include classic derbies in light brown or black with polka-dot linings, moccasins in burgundy or black, and moccasin-inspired boots in black. Casual shoes include lace-ups in black, burgundy and brown calfskin. The signature 'buckle-free' belt returns in woven leather and plain calfskin treated to achieve a pony skin finish. Square rhodium cufflinks engraved with tulips are the ultimate elegant Menswear accent.

This season's new leather goods and bags exemplify the GIVENCHY approach of reinventing quintessential French style for a new generation. Luxurious fabrics are given unexpected twists and traditional styles are revamped: the man's attach¨¦ case becomes a vertical-oriented briefcase. In its most dramatic form, it is made of pony-effect calf leather shaven with the exclusive GIVENCHY herringbone pattern and finished with crocodile trims. Other versions include the finest calf leather in the season's key colours of black, burgundy, and petrol blue, and all styles are finished with fine details such as woven motifs embossed on leather handles and black suede interiors with plenty of pockets. Metal studs finish the design and give it a powerful, masculine feel. Garment bags, weekend bags, capacious soft briefcases, and flat messenger bags feature the same colours and details. Wallets and money carriers for men are offered in plain black, burgundy, and polka-dotted versions. Like all the leather goods in the collection, these are stamped with the GIVENCHY signature, the tulip.

The GIVENCHY Fall/Winter 2005 Menswear and Accessory collections will be available in GIVENCHY boutiques and select department and specialty stores worldwide from July 2005.